Bloch MB.130 Reconnaissance Aircraft

The Bloch MB.130 was designed in response to a French Air Staff requirement for a fast multi-seat BCR (bomber, combat, reconnaissance) aircraft. First flying on 8 June 1934 at Villacoublay It was designated the MB.130 A. It was powered by two 760hp Gnome-Rhône 14 Kdrs engines and fitted with a fixed, trousered undercarriage.

After a series of tests, it was modified to incorporate a retractable undercarriage, 870hp Gnome-Rhône 14 Kirs/Kjrs engines and a ventral turret extended to the rear. The modified aircraft, redesignated MB 130 B, flew on 3 April 1935.

The Bloch MB.310 did not enter production, as the French Air Force decided to focus on specialised aircraft for different roles. Bloch used the basic airframe from the MB.130 to develop the more advanced MB.311.